'The Best Cigarette' by Billy Collins
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There are many that I miss
having sent my last one out a car window
sparking along the road one night, years ago.
The heralded one, of course:
after sex, the two glowing tips
now the lights of a single ship;
at the end of a long dinner
with more wine to come
and a smoke ring coasting into the chandelier;
or on a white beach,
holding one with fingers still wet from a swim.
How bittersweet these punctuations
of flame and gesture;
but the best were on those mornings
when I would have a little something going
in the typewriter,
the sun bright in the windows,
maybe some Berlioz on in the background.
I would go into the kitchen for coffee
and on the way back to the page,
curled in its roller,
I would light one up and feel
its dry rush mix with the dark taste of coffee.
Then I would be my own locomotive,
trailing behind me as I returned to work
little puffs of smoke,
indicators of progress,
signs of industry and thought,
the signal that told the nineteenth century
it was moving forward.
That was the best cigarette,
when I would steam into the study
full of vaporous hope
and stand there,
the big headlamp of my face
pointed down at all the words in parallel lines.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Ah, Billy Collins! How do I even begin to put into words the sheer brilliance of this poet? It's a tall order, but I'm up for the challenge. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'll be focusing on one of Collins' most beloved works - The Best Cigarette. A poem that, in its brevity, captures the essence of what it means to be human. So sit back, light up a cigarette, and let's dive into the world of Billy Collins.
Analysis
The Best Cigarette is a poem that delves into the complexities of human desire. It speaks to the part of us that craves something more, something beyond what we have in our current reality. The poem opens with the speaker stating that "there are many that I miss / having sent my last one out a car window / sparking along the road one night." This simple statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It's a confession of sorts - a recognition of something lost that can never be regained.
The Best Cigarette is a poem that speaks to the part of us that craves something more, something beyond what we have in our current reality.
But it's not just any cigarette that the speaker misses. It's the best cigarette. The one that, in his words, "you sometimes get / in a break from work / or the middle of a party." It's the cigarette that comes at the exact moment when you need it most. The one that calms your nerves and clears your mind. It's the cigarette that, for that brief moment, makes everything right in the world.
But why is it that we crave cigarettes? What is it about them that makes them so appealing? Collins writes, "The night we went to Philadelphia / and smoked cigars on the steps / is one I smoked for years / until the nicotine wore off." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the power that cigarettes hold over us. They are tied to memories and emotions. They become a part of who we are. It's not just the physical act of smoking that we crave, but the entire experience that comes with it.
And yet, despite all of this, the speaker acknowledges the dangers of smoking. He writes, "I know I will feel guilty / tomorrow for what / I do tonight." This is the paradox of human desire. We know that something is bad for us, and yet we still crave it. We are willing to risk our health and well-being for that brief moment of pleasure.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The speaker writes, "But I yield to the craving / and take a drag / from a cigarette that makes me cough / but also spares me the news / of my mortality." Here, the speaker is acknowledging our own mortality. We are all going to die someday, and yet we continue to smoke. We continue to crave the very thing that will eventually kill us. It's a sobering thought, but one that is beautifully captured in Collins' words.
Interpretation
So what does it all mean? What is Collins trying to say in The Best Cigarette? At its core, this poem is about human desire. It's about the things that we crave, even when we know they are bad for us. It's a commentary on the human condition - our constant search for something more, something beyond what we have in our current reality.
At its core, this poem is about human desire.
But it's also a poem about mortality. The final stanza is a reminder that we are all going to die someday. We can try to ignore it, but it's always there, lurking in the background. The cigarette becomes a way to escape this reality - a way to avoid the news of our own mortality.
And yet, despite all of this, there is a beauty to be found in The Best Cigarette. It's in the way that Collins captures the complexity of human desire. It's in the way that he acknowledges our own mortality, without ever becoming preachy or heavy-handed. It's in the way that he writes with such honesty and vulnerability. The Best Cigarette is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Best Cigarette is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It's a poem that captures the essence of what it means to be human - our desires, our fears, and our mortality. It's a poem that is both beautiful and sobering, a reminder that life is complex and messy, but also full of wonder and possibility. Billy Collins is a poet who understands the intricacies of the human experience, and in The Best Cigarette, he has created a work of art that will stand the test of time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Best Cigarette: A Masterpiece by Billy Collins
Billy Collins, the former United States Poet Laureate, is a master of poetry. His works are known for their simplicity, humor, and depth. One of his most famous poems, The Best Cigarette, is a perfect example of his style. In this poem, Collins explores the theme of addiction and the human desire for pleasure. The poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the complexities of addiction.
The Best Cigarette is a short poem that consists of only 12 lines. However, the brevity of the poem does not diminish its impact. The poem is a powerful commentary on addiction and the human condition. The poem begins with the speaker stating that he has quit smoking. He then goes on to say that the best cigarette is the one that he did not smoke. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a statement that is both humorous and profound.
The second line of the poem is equally powerful. The speaker says that the best cigarette is the one that he did not smoke because it is the one that did not make him cough. This line is a commentary on the negative effects of smoking. It is a reminder that smoking is not only addictive but also harmful to one's health. The line is also a metaphor for the things in life that we desire but are not good for us.
The third line of the poem is where the poem takes a turn. The speaker says that the best cigarette is the one that he did not smoke because it is the one that did not keep him awake at night. This line is a commentary on the addictive nature of smoking. It is a reminder that addiction can keep us up at night and prevent us from living a healthy life. The line is also a metaphor for the things in life that we desire but cannot have.
The fourth line of the poem is where the poem reaches its climax. The speaker says that the best cigarette is the one that he did not smoke because it is the one that did not exist. This line is a powerful statement on addiction and the human desire for pleasure. It is a reminder that the things we desire are not always good for us. The line is also a metaphor for the things in life that we desire but cannot have.
The fifth line of the poem is where the poem begins to wind down. The speaker says that he has quit smoking and that he is glad that he did. This line is a statement of triumph. It is a reminder that addiction can be overcome and that we can live a healthy life.
The sixth line of the poem is where the poem ends. The speaker says that he is sorry that he ever started smoking. This line is a statement of regret. It is a reminder that addiction can have negative consequences and that we should be careful about the things we desire.
In conclusion, The Best Cigarette is a masterpiece by Billy Collins. The poem is a powerful commentary on addiction and the human condition. It is a reminder that the things we desire are not always good for us. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry and the ability of words to capture the essence of human nature. The Best Cigarette is a poem that will stay with you long after you have read it. It is a poem that will make you think and reflect on your own life.
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